The Ohio University Board of Trustees' Governance Committee held its first meeting on Thursday in Columbus. This new group, chaired by Trustee Norman "Ned" Dewire, will examine matters related to the board's operations.

The committee discussed possible changes to the board's bylaws and set plans for its next meeting, tentatively slated for Feb. 7 on the Athens campus.

Much of the two-hour discussion focused on updating the bylaws to reflect the board's new committee structure. The revision will specify the duties of five standing committees: Academics, Resources, Executive, Audit and Governance.

Among the other possible changes discussed were edits that would make the language gender-neutral and clarify the authority of the board chair to form special committees.

The proposed revisions will be posted on the board's Web site by Jan. 7, said Tom Davis, interim board secretary.

Dewire suggested that the committee's next meeting focus on procedures for orienting new members, providing training and conducting a board self-evaluation.

He also proposed that the group talk about the board's role in the governance of the university.

"I would like us to put forth a short statement that expresses the trustees' view of the mutual responsibilities of all partners," Dewire said.

In addition to Dewire, the other trustees on the committee are Gene Harris and Sandra Anderson. President Roderick J. McDavis also participated in the meeting.